World IVF Day

In vitro fertilization (IVF) has captured the attention of the public since its introduction in 1978. Since then there have been refinements in laboratory techniques and clinical practices which have increased the success rates. IVF procedures are now more efficient, safe, readily accessible and relatively affordable. The birth of Louis Brown on July 25, 1978, is celebrated as an IVF day, given to the birth of the first IVF baby in the world.

What is IVF?
IVF means the joining of a woman's egg and a man's sperm in a laboratory dish outside the body. 

There are five basic steps of IVF:
Stimulation also called super ovulation 
Fertility drugs are given to a woman to produce more than one egg in a particular cycle. During this time women will have regular transvaginal ultrasounds and blood tests to check their hormone levels.

Egg retrieval
Follicular aspiration is done to remove the eggs from the woman's ovary under ultrasound guidance.

Insemination and  Fertilization
A man’s sperm is placed together until the best quality eggs. The mixing of sperms and eggs is called Insemination. If the chances of fertilization are low the sperm is directly injected into the egg this is called ICSI (Intracytoplasmic sperm injection)

Embryo Culture
When a fertilized egg divides, it becomes an embryo within three to five days a normal embryo has several actively dividing cells.

Embryo Transfer
Embryos are placed into a woman's womb three to five days after egg retrieval. This is done while the woman is awake. If an embryo sticks to the lining of the womb and grows pregnancy results. Unused embryos are frozen for later cycles.

Myths and facts about IVF

Myth- IVF is a painful procedure. 
Fact- Only mild pain is there after the ovum picks up but this procedure is done under anaesthesia. Embryo transfer is a painless procedure.

Myth- IVF results in twins.
Fact- Multiple pregnancies are common in IVF but single embryo transfer can be done.

 Myth- IVF is only beneficial to young couples.
Fact- It can be done in patients of any age group.

Myth- IVF has a 100% success rate.
Fact- The success rate is determined by the age cause of infertility and biological and hormonal status.

Myth- IVF babies have birth defects as well as physical and mental deformities.
Fact- The risk of deformity is similar to natural pregnancy.

Myth- IVF requires hospitalization for the 
procedure.
Fact- There is no need for hospitalization.

Advice to an infertile couple:
     Stay stress-free
     Get 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night
     Consume a high protein and a balanced diet
     Maintain a healthy lifestyle and perform yoga, meditation and walk
     Quit smoking and alcohol consumption
     Consult a doctor if having a problem conceiving after six months of trying
     Maintain an ideal rate of Body Mass Index (BMI) i.e. between 20 to 28.